Directions

Heat the court-bouillon over medium low heat. Add the farro and the cranberries. Stir gently using a wooden spoon until the stock is completely absorbed by the farro.

Stir in the butter, and incorporate using the wooden spoon. Season with the salt and pepper. Serve immediately as an accompaniment to game birds.

Basic Farro:

In a nonreactive sauce pot, bring the court-bouillon to a slow simmer. Meanwhile, in a large braising pan, saute the vegetables and garlic in the olive oil until tender. Add the farro, and stir with a wooden spoon while continuing to saute until the farro in pearlized (begins to change color). Season with the salt and pepper. Using an 8 oz. ladle, add a ladle full of stock to the farro. Stir the farro from the bottom, and allow the stock to become almost completely absorbed by the rice. Repeat the procedure until the farro has cooked for exactly 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the thyme. Transfer immediately to a two large sheet pans. Spread the farro out evenly using a rubber spatula. Allow the farro to cool in the walk-in cooler. Transfer to a container, and label and cover tightly.

Court-Bouillon:

In a stock pot over moderate heat, sweat the vegetables in the grape seed oil until tender. Add the white wine and the bouquet garni. Fill the pot with one gallon of cold water, and bring it to a boil over high flame. Reduce the heat and simmer for two hours skimming intermittently. Strain through a fine mesh strainer lined with moistened cheese cloth.